Cheshire East businesses and communities are being urged to join a growing campaign to secure superfast broadband across the borough by 2015.
It is estimated that faster broadband will boost the whole of Cheshire's economy by 1.3 billion over the next 15 years and create around 11,000 jobs.
The Government will soon make a decision about which areas will receive network investment – and Cheshire East could benefit.
The campaign for 'Better Broadband' is being led by the Connecting Cheshire Partnership - made up of Cheshire East Council, Cheshire West and Chester, Warrington and Halton Councils.
The partnership has so far received more than £3m in government funding for the roll-out of superfast broadband, but needs up to £40m in order for the project to reach 100 per cent coverage.
BT Openreach and Virgin Media are currently rolling out super fast broadband to many towns and villages across Cheshire but some, deemed uneconomical, will remain on slower broadband services, particularly in rural areas.
This is where Connecting Cheshire will step in and provide gap funding to ensure as many people as possible can benefit from fast and reliable broadband. In the meantime the 'Better Broadband' campaign will help shape which areas will be prioritised by demonstrating where demand is the highest.
Each of the four councils in the Connecting Cheshire Partnership have invested into the project and further funds will be sought from government and EU grants. The Partnership will appoint a telecommunications partner shortly and they too will invest into the project in order to provide the infrastructure for the 'hard to reach' areas.
If their funding bids are successful, they expect to begin building new superfast broadband networks next year.
Councillor David Brown, deputy leader and strategic communities' portfolio holder, said: "Faster broadband is being installed in most towns, but many parts of Cheshire East are being left behind, especially our rural areas.
"We're asking people to help stop the 'digital divide' and register their support on the website now.
"By registering, you will help ensure your community or business can be prioritised for investment.
"Faster broadband will benefit our residents and businesses, and getting behind the campaign will make sure that our voice is heard."
To boost the bid and get behind Cheshire East's campaign, register your demand at: www.connectingcheshire.org.uk.
